Venus Williams on Calling the French Open, Fitness Initiative, More

Big pharmaceutical companies just scored a major victory in a Republican-backed policy bill—worth around $5 billion—by shielding more drugs from Medicare price negotiations. This move is expected to gut billions in potential savings for the government, meaning taxpayers and Medicare beneficiaries could end up footing a higher bill.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just inside baseball—it’s a big deal for anyone who relies on Medicare or cares about drug prices. The government’s ability to negotiate lower prices for expensive medications just got weaker, which could keep costs high for patients and strain federal budgets. It’s a win for drugmakers but likely a loss for everyone else.

Right before the big July Fourth holiday, health officials have shut down or warned visitors away from dozens of beaches nationwide—turns out, there’s way too much nasty bacteria (yes, including poop-related germs) in the water. Not exactly the beach day everyone was hoping for.

Editor’s Note: This is a major buzzkill for summer plans, but it’s also a serious health issue. Contaminated water can cause nasty infections, and with crowds flocking to beaches for the holiday, these closures are a big deal. It highlights ongoing problems like aging sewage systems and runoff pollution—stuff that needs fixing before more summers get spoiled.

The BBC breaks down Labour leader Keir Starmer’s proposed 10-year plan for the NHS, outlining seven key ways it could reshape healthcare—from staffing and wait times to funding and tech upgrades. It’s a mix of ambitious reforms and cautious pledges, with the details hinting at both opportunities and challenges ahead.

Editor’s Note: The NHS is a political lightning rod, and Starmer’s plan could mean real changes for patients and workers—whether it’s shorter waits or shifts in how services are run. But with big promises come big questions: Can it actually work? This isn’t just bureaucratic tweaking; it’s about the future of a system millions rely on.

This piece is part of a regular series digging into the latest chatter and trends in the health care sector, with a spotlight on big players like Samsung Biologics and emerging biotech firms in China. Think of it as a quick but insightful snapshot of where money is moving, who’s making waves, and what’s bubbling up in labs and boardrooms.

Editor’s Note: If you’re tracking the business side of health care—whether you’re an investor, industry insider, or just curious about where breakthroughs might come from next—this kind of update helps connect the dots between corporate moves and real-world medical advances. It’s not just about stock prices; it’s a window into who’s betting big on the future of medicine.

The weight-loss drug market is exploding, with new GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy driving a pharmaceutical gold rush. These drugs are hailed as revolutionary for obesity treatment, but they’re expensive and come with side effects affecting up to 70% of users. A health economist breaks down who stands to profit most from this booming industry, projected to hit $150 billion by 2035.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about shedding pounds—it’s a massive shift in healthcare and big pharma’s bottom line. While these drugs offer hope for millions, their high cost and side effects raise tough questions about accessibility and long-term impact. Whether you’re a patient, investor, or just watching healthcare trends, this story highlights the messy intersection of health, profit, and innovation.